Jonathan Stewart Injury: Updates on Panthers RB's Foot and Recovery

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart left the field during Sunday's Super Bowl 50 matchup against the Denver Broncos with a foot injury.

Continue for updates.

Stewart Returns After 1st-Quarter Exit

Sunday, Feb. 7

The Panthers' official Twitter account initially reported on Stewart's precarious status when he was forced out of action in the early going. Team reporter Max Henson indicated shortly thereafter Stewart returned to the huddle.

Stewart has dealt with injuries throughout his career and has often failed to stay healthy enough and produce to his potential. He appeared in only 15 games from 2012 through 2013 and missed three contests last year.

The 28-year-old stayed healthy for the most part during the Panthers' epic 2015 season but suffered a sprained foot in Week 14 and was only 11 yards shy of the coveted 1,000-yard mark. He returned for the run to Super Bowl 50 as the backfield workhorse and will be difficult to replace.

Mike Tolbert is a bruising ball-carrier who lead blocks at fullback when he isn't carrying the rock. The thickly built veteran, along with Fozzy Whittaker, can spell Stewart if he can't take on his normal workload for the rest of Sunday's contest.